“不死鸟”导弹于1963年开始研制。其代号为AIM-54A,老编号为AAM-N-11,由休斯飞机公司承包。它是美海军战术战斗机F-111B的主要武器,F-111B可携带6枚“不死鸟”导弹,两枚装于起落架中间4.9米长的武器舱内,其余的挂在翼下发射架上。“不死鸟”导弹是美海军的重要新设计之一,它的设计要求特点是:能提供更大的射程,更高的有效载荷、速度及精度,能齐射。并要求F-111B飞机能同时向两个目标发射这种导弹。在设计方面,据说特别注意了维护的容易性及服役能力。 The “Phoenix” missile began to develop in 1963. AIM-54A, code-named AAM-N-11, contracted by Hughes Aircraft Company. It is the main weapon for the U.S. Navy’s tactical fighter plane F-111B. The F-111B can carry six “Phoenix” missiles, two 4.9-meter-long arms in the middle of the landing gear, and the rest on the wing launchers. One of the major new designs for the U.S. Navy, the “Phoenix” missile is designed to provide greater range, higher payloads, speed and precision, and salvo. And requested the F-111B aircraft to simultaneously launch such missiles at two targets. In design, it is said that special attention was given to the ease of maintenance and service capabilities.